Review This Section of your Insurance Policy ASAP (Hurricane Edition)
Everyone frequently talks about the standard things that you need to prepare for a hurricane – stock up
on water, batteries, flashlights, canned foods, etc. But few people think about their insurance policy.
Surprisingly, most people don’t even have a complete copy of their insurance policy. As part of your
hurricane preparedness, you should request a copy of your current insurance policy from your insurance
company if you do not have one. Having a complete copy of your policy is necessary in order for you to
know what your responsibilities and rights are under the policy right after a storm. Although all
insurance policies are different, most of them have a section called “Duties After Loss” that requires that
you:
- Give prompt notice to us or our agent
- Protect the property from further damage. If repairs to the property are required you must:
- Make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect the property; and
- Keep an accurate record of repair expenses
- Cooperate with us in the investigation of a claim
- Prepare an inventory of damaged personal property showing the quantity, description, actual
cash value and amount of loss - Show us the damaged property as often as we reasonably require
- Provide us with records and documents we request and permit us to make copies
- Submit to questions under oath and sign and swear to them
- Send to us within 60 days after our request, your signed, sworn proof of loss
Your failure to comply with your duties after loss can affect your ability to recover benefits under your
policy even when you have suffered damages. If you have any doubts about your rights and obligations
under your insurance policy, we are happy to review your policy with you.
Ana Cristina, Esq.
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